20 August 2014 – As renewed violence signalled the end of the latest Gaza ceasefire, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed grave disappointment at the return to hostilities and urged the parties to “reach an immediate understanding on a durable ceasefire which also addresses the underlying issues.”

In a statement issued yesterday by his spokesperson in New York, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the breach of the Egyptian-brokered humanitarian ceasefire which was to expire at midnight local time last night.

“He is gravely disappointed by the return to hostilities,” said the statement, adding that Mr. Ban reminded both sides of their responsibility not to let the situation escalate.

“The hopes of the people in Gaza for a better future and the hopes of the people in Israel for sustainable security rest on the talks in Cairo,” the UN chief said, calling on the delegations to live up to that expectation.

Mr. Ban in his statement urged the parties to reach an immediate understanding on a durable ceasefire which also addresses the underlying issues afflicting Gaza.